CRAFTSMANSHIP

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Craftsmanship

A firm grounding in the technical and material aspects is considered essential. The differences between various pencils, charcoals, paints, papers and canvases are taught, together with the preparation of glues and plasters for canvas and panel. The diverse requirements and specific mediums for the various layers of an oil painting are studied, and underpainting-overpainting procedures, as well as the masters’ glazing techniques, are examined thoroughly.

Anatomy and Morphology

Knowledge of the structure and form of the human body has been considered imperative for the figure painter since Leonardo and Michelangelo pioneered them during the Renaissance. Through a series of slide lectures and work from the live model, these disciplines are thoroughly explored by the students at the Angel Academy of Art.

EXTRA CURRICULAR ANATOMY COURSE

The anatomy course is designed to give students the knowledge to understand the boney landmarks in order to navigate proportions accurately and to understand the muscles in order to interpret and design the figure. Each week of the course includes the following:

A presentation on the anatomical feature of the week, including strategies for "seeing" the components.

The presentation also includes slides showing the artwork of great masters, both old and modern. The discussion covers a range of aesthetic choices of the great masters, including their decisions to, emphasise or de-emphasise elements, as well as treat anatomical forms in a realistic manner combined with a more conceptual one.

Students draw from the model, focusing on the part that was the subject of the lecture. Students are encouraged to correctly identify the anatomical forms and make informed aesthetic decisions in their drawings.

Each weekly class includes approximately an hour-long lecture and two hours of drawing‚ from the model or anatomical templates. Homework is included.

Please note that, as this course is outside of the normal curriculum of the Angel Academy, a small fee of 225.00 euros per trimester will be charged by Lewellyn Matthews. This is a specially discounted fee for students of the Angel Academy of Art, Florence.

EXTRA CURRICULAR ÉCORCHÉ COURSE

In addition, AAA students have the opportunity to create an écorché figure (a flayed figure), working in the studio of a professional, extremely talented American sculptor, Jason Arkles, who lives and works in Florence. This course comprises six evening classes, spread over two weeks—two Monday evenings, two Wednesday evenings and two Friday evenings.

In the course, each student builds the forms of a clay figure, muscle by muscle, to gain a thorough understanding of the anatomy and morphology of the human figure.

Please note that, as this course is outside of the normal curriculum of the Angel Academy, a small fee of 150.00 euros will be charged by mæstro Jason Arkles. This is a specially discounted fee for students of the Angel Academy of Art, Florence.